Balancing costs and care: a study of financial sustainability at Centro Hospitalar Conde de Ferreira

Description

Mental health organizations face persistent challenges in achieving financial sustainability, driven by the imperative to ensure long-term service provision and societal impact amid systemic underfunding and stigma. However, little is known about which the key factors are influencing financial sustainability and how these institutions can optimize resource allocation to maintain quality care within constrained financial environments. Grounded in the Social Resource-Based View (SRBV), the research employs a qualitative case study methodology. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with administrative and operational staff, alongside analysis of institutional financial documents. Financial sustainability in mental health hospitals is achieved through short-term optimization of internal resources, reduced chronic inpatient stays, staff capacity improvements, and public engagement; medium-term efforts in digital transformation and investment planning; and long-term strategies focused on service diversification, reputational growth, and clear organizational direction. A critical challenge identified is the institution’s dependence on public funding, highlighting the need to renegotiate government contracts and diversify income streams through partnerships and expanded service offerings. This study contributes to the SRBV by demonstrating how social and organizational resources support financial resilience in mission-driven health institutions, while offering practical strategies for sustainable funding and emphasizing the need for adaptive, inclusive financial planning in resource-constrained environments.

Period	3 Jul 2025